Islam Makhachev scored a significant victory at UFC 322, capturing the welterweight title in a commanding fight against Jack Della Maddalena. The match took place at New York’s Madison Square Garden and ended with all judges scoring it 50-45 for Makhachev. This win marks him as only the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes.
Makhachev’s win comes on the heels of a remarkable 16-fight win streak, tying him with UFC legend Anderson Silva for the longest in UFC history. After the fight, he expressed his joy, stating, “This is the dream. I’ve worked hard for this moment.” His strategy? A relentless focus on wrestling. “It’s no secret; my opponents know this, but they can’t stop it,” he added.
Throughout the match, Makhachev demonstrated superior control and striking. He landed 140 out of 188 strikes—a striking accuracy of 74%. In contrast, Della Maddalena managed only 30 strikes over the 25-minute fight. Makhachev effectively utilized takedowns and controlled the pace, repeatedly bringing Della Maddalena to the ground. The fight was a clear showcase of Makhachev’s dominance in the octagon.
Historically, Makhachev has had impressive victories over notable fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira. His latest triumph at a higher weight class shows adaptability and strength, emphasizing his potential to be one of the best MMA fighters ever.
The co-main event saw Valentina Shevchenko defend her flyweight title against Zhang Weili, also ending in a unanimous decision, 50-45. This performance solidified Shevchenko’s status as a dominant force in women’s MMA, mirroring Makhachev’s victory. Both fighters showcased their wrestling skills effectively.
Social media buzzed post-fight, with fans praising Makhachev’s wrestling prowess and speculating on his potential future matches. Press reactions highlighted Makhachev’s influence and his potential to surpass even more records, given his age and skill set.
In the realm of women’s MMA, Shevchenko’s successful title defense echoes the growing recognition for female fighters, highlighting their talent and the evolution of the sport.
Overall, UFC 322 was not just about individual victories but also showcased the evolution of fighters adapting to new challenges and setting new standards in mixed martial arts.
Source link
Islam Makhachev, Jack Della Maddalena, UFC lightweight champion, Anderson Silva, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier
